‘Babes’ Review – A Hilarious Journey Through Motherhood

There have been numerous films showcasing motherhood in its different forms. Netflix ran the tonal gamut from Jennifer Lopez’s thriller The Mother to the heartfelt Otherhood featuring the legendary Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman. Bad Moms went to some pretty outrageous places, and Tully found Charlize Theron tackling a warts-and-all look at moms who are pushed to the brink of their sanity. Yet none have portrayed motherhood quite like Babes, which stands out particularly through its distinct dialogue, editing style, and direction, setting it apart as a different and unique take on the subject.

Babes delivers an uproarious yet heartfelt depiction of the rollercoaster ride that is early motherhood. At its helm are Eden and Dawn, played respectfully by Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau, whose dynamic chemistry forms the film’s backbone. However, it’s Glazer’s magnetic performance that truly steals the spotlight, infusing the movie with her comedic genius through a combination of witty banter, hilarious dialogue, and spirited actions. While the film occasionally veers into the realm of exaggerated humor, beneath its zany exterior lies a poignant exploration of familial bonds, positioning it as a potential standout for NEON’s summer lineup.

The narrative revolves around the evolving friendship between Dawn and Eden as they brace themselves for the arrival of Dawn’s newborn. The opening scene, brimming with humor, swiftly reveals the strong connection shared by these two women, showcasing their willingness to go to any lengths to be there for each other. After her bestie gives birth, Eden (Glazer) initially finds herself adrift in life until a chance encounter leads to an unexpected pregnancy of her own. Despite being ill-prepared for such a dramatic shift, Eden chooses to keep her baby and embark on one of the most daunting journeys imaginable. While she grapples with the challenges of single motherhood, Dawn (Buteau) navigates the delicate balance between her burgeoning family life and her enduring bond with Eden. The film offers a multifaceted portrayal of motherhood’s trials and triumphs through alternating perspectives.

In addition to the dynamic duo of Glazer and Buteau, we have a supporting cast that includes Hasan Minhaj as Dawn’s husband and John Carroll Lynch as her doctor. Hasan enriches the narrative tapestry of Babes. Minhaj’s portrayal injects the film with additional depth, offering a glimpse into the complexities of fatherhood. His character exudes a unique blend of soothing reassurance and unpredictable humor, adding layers to the film’s comedic landscape. Lynch portrays the doctor tasked with navigating his internal emotions while handling Eden’s unexpected pregnancy. As she experiences her first unplanned childbirth, he faces a trial of emotions and patience, yet must maintain composure to offer optimal assistance and care for the newborn. Amidst his journey, he delivers hilarious dialogue, adding an extra layer of humor to this story.

The film earns its ‘R’ rating for strong language and behavior, primarily attributed to Eden’s youthful disposition and her journey toward maturity as a mother. In the movie, there are instances where Eden and Dawn engage in activities and conversations unsuitable for younger audiences, opting for a more mature tone. Additionally, a particular scene cleverly hints at Eden’s pregnancy, adding depth to the storyline. This strategic foreshadowing enhances the film’s narrative and captivates the audience’s attention. The film presents an unfiltered portrayal of the early stages of parenthood. Despite its humorous facade, the film delves into the profound emotional and personal growth experienced by its characters.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its pacing, which keeps audiences thoroughly engaged from start to finish. The precise editing enhances the storytelling, allowing for a seamless transition between comedic moments and poignant reflections. Notably, Babes excels in its depiction of Eden’s journey to motherhood, artfully portraying the evolution of her relationship with her partner and her gradual embrace of maternal responsibilities.

Pamela Adlon makes her debut as a feature film director with this comedic gem. As the creative force behind FX’s Better Things, a series centered around a single mother navigating parenthood, Adlon brings a wealth of experience to this project. Her distinctive directorial style is unmistakable in the film, evident in the performances, dialogue dynamics, and overarching narrative, which echo themes explored in her television work.

Overall, Babes offers a refreshing take on the chaos and beauty of early motherhood, blending laugh-out-loud humor with heartfelt moments of introspection. While it may occasionally lean towards excess, particularly in its comedic elements, the underlying message of familial love and resilience shines through. With its stellar cast, engaging narrative, and relatable themes, Babes has the potential to become a standout hit for NEON this summer, appealing to audiences seeking a blend of laughter and heartfelt storytelling. 

Babes is currently playing in theaters courtesy of NEON.